2-489-127 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Queen Margaret placing a paper crown on the head of the Duke of York, c1450-c1460 (18th century(?)). Margaret of Anjou (1430-1482), Queen Consort of Henry VI of England with Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York (1411-1460). Their rivalry was a major catalyst for the Wars of the Roses. Richard governed England as Lord Protector during Henry's mental illness in 1453-1454 and held ambitions to take the throne for himself. After a lengthy power struggle, Richard was killed by Lancastian forces at the Battle of Wakefield in 1460. His head was displayed on a pike above Micklegate Bar in York, wearing a paper crown. His son took the throne as King Edward IV the following year after the Yorkists decisively defeated the Lancastrians at the Battle of Towton.